What do you buy for someone who lives and breathes cars, but already has every gadget under the sun? Another tyre inflator or set of LED headlights probably won’t cut it. If you want to give them something they’ll actually remember, it’s time to think beyond the usual.
Whether they’re into classics, sports cars, or just love a good Sunday drive, these gift ideas go a little deeper. They show you’ve thought about who they are, not just what they drive.
Here are ten options worth your time. Not a single one is a plug-in device.
1. Private Plates
A personalised number plate is more than a gift; it’s a statement.
For a car lover, it becomes part of the car’s identity. Something custom and unique that stays with them through different vehicles, or becomes the perfect finishing touch on their pride and joy. Plus, there are so many private plates to choose from. It doesn’t have to spell out a full name. It could be initials, a favourite word, a reference only they’ll get, or even a clever abbreviation.
There’s a level of permanence and pride that comes with owning your own plate. It’s thoughtful, personal, and definitely not something that ends up in the glove box.
2. Driving Experience Days
Let them get behind the wheel of something they don’t get to drive every day. A race car, a vintage rally car, a high-performance vehicle on a closed track… the kind of machine they can’t push to the limit on the road.
These aren’t about just watching from the sidelines. They get to suit up, take the wheel, and really feel what a car can do when it’s taken out of everyday limits. Perfect for those who dream in horsepower.
3. Custom Garage Signage
For someone who spends half their free time in the garage, this is a brilliant way to make that space feel more personal.
Think vintage-style signs with their name, classic car quotes, or even custom illustrations of their favourite model. Mounted on the wall or propped up above their workbench, it turns a functional space into something that reflects their passion.
And unlike car parts, this doesn’t need fitting instructions.
4. Motorsports Event Tickets
Watching a race on TV is one thing. Feeling the ground shake as engines roar past is something else entirely.
Whether it’s a local track day, a full race weekend, or a one-day motorsports event, this is an experience that gives any car lover a buzz. The smells, the sounds, the atmosphere — it’s all part of it. You’re not just giving them a seat, you’re giving them memories.
5. Automotive-Themed Artwork
Some cars are just too beautiful to stay in the garage. That’s where art comes in.
There are thousands of incredible artists who focus entirely on cars. Think detailed illustrations, blueprint-style posters, or minimalist prints featuring iconic silhouettes. You could even commission a custom piece based on a photo of their own vehicle.
It’s stylish, personal, and shows them you understand that a car isn’t just transport. It’s an obsession worth framing.
6. A High-Quality Driving Jacket
Not all car gifts need to go in the car. A proper driving jacket is both practical and sharp, especially for someone who takes pride in how they look behind the wheel.
Look for something that mixes comfort with style. Think sleek, subtle materials with smart detailing. It should be something they’d wear whether they’re driving a vintage convertible or popping out for dinner.
Bonus points if it matches the era or aesthetic of the car they love most.
7. Scale Model Collectibles
There’s something timeless about miniature replicas of classic and iconic cars. For collectors, each one tells a story.
From vintage roadsters to modern racing icons, these aren’t just toys. The best models are incredibly detailed, often built to scale and with high-quality materials. You can choose ones that match their favourite brands, decades, or even specific cars they’ve owned or dream of owning.
If they’re the type to appreciate fine details, this is a solid pick.
8. Coffee Table Books on Automotive Design
The history, beauty, and evolution of cars deserves more than a quick scroll on a phone screen.
A well-made book packed with glossy photos, design sketches, or stories from the world of motorsport can sit proudly on display, ready to be flipped through at any time. These books are perfect for slow Sundays or when someone wants to learn something new about engines, brands, or rare models they’ve never seen on the road.
Make sure it’s one with substance, something they’ll keep coming back to.
9. Driving Gloves
Yes, gloves. But not the sort you wear to scrape frost off the windscreen.
We’re talking about classic driving gloves. Supple leather, open knuckles, stylish stitching. Designed for grip and comfort on long drives. For a car lover who enjoys the feeling of the wheel, especially in older or manual vehicles, they’re more than just a fashion statement.
They bring a little bit of old-school charm and tactile pleasure to every trip.
10. A Subscription to an Automotive Magazine
A good print magazine still has its place. With the right subscription, they’ll get a steady stream of news, deep-dive features, car culture updates, restoration tips, and insights from across the automotive world. It’s like receiving a new gift every month.
Look for one that suits their interests. Some publications focus more on classic cars and restorations, others on motorsports or engineering breakthroughs. Whatever their niche, there’s probably a publication that nails it.
Give Them Something Worth Talking About
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying yet another keyring, mug, or Bluetooth gadget. But if you want to really impress the car lover in your life, think beyond the obvious.
Give them something they’ll use, admire, or talk about for years. These ideas all have one thing in common: they show you’ve paid attention to who they are, not just what they drive.
Because when someone’s this passionate about cars, the best gift is one that speaks to that love on a deeper level.
